Toyota A-Bat Concept
By Joseph Penalver
The new A-Bat concept is essentially a lightweight, high-utility hybrid compact pickup. The A-Bat is smaller than a Toyota Tacoma and the chassis is only slightly larger than the current Rav-4. The A-Bat is on a car based platform just like the Rav-4 and has a four-cylinder drivetrain. Those features aren’t what make this pickup concept unique though. It’s on the inside and outside that counts. The interior has a removable battery pack for charging AC and DC current to charge almost anything you can think of. The flat-top dash houses twin solar panels to help charge the pack as well as the nav and information system. On the outside, there is a sliding translucent roof panel that moves forward to accommodate taller objects in the bed space, not to mention the hidden sliding drawer inside the bed for substantial box depth for anytime access. Typically, concepts don’t always translate to the real world, but if you ask me, this one certainly does. [via toyota]
Monday, November 10, 2008 5:37AM
Interesting looking concept. I also like how the design theme of the exterior is carried into the interior.
What I fail to understand is how they plan to carry a load of any weight with a cargo box floor that opens up for greater depth. The lower floor may be strong enough, but would YOU want to put anything heavy on the cargo bed above it? Doubtful. Also, a sliding GLASS panel to permit more cargo box room?
Either the guys dealing with the cargo box have learned some new technology or their smoking something funny.
Phil Payne
Sunday, November 30, 2008 10:55PM
nice very nice now this is a unique design of a pickup truck
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:44PM
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